ATEX Directive Process Pump Automatic Operation Type (Internal Switching) / Air Operated Type (External Switching)

[What is the ATEX directive?]
Compliance with the ATEX Directive is required for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres within EU from July 1, 2003
■CE mark and ATEX
The ATEX Directive is part of the CE Mark scheme and incorporates the conventional European explosion-proof standards
■Purpose of ATEX Directive
The principal goals of ATEX are as follows:
・ Prevention of static charge
・ Ignition prevention of sparks caused by friction, impact, and wear
・ Ignition prevention due to temperature rise due to the same as above
・ The responsibility lies with the manufacturer
・ Certification by zone/category
■Zone / category division
The ATEX directive classifies the objects to be used in each dangerous area (zone) into categories
・ Zone 0: Category 1
Probability of the presence of explosive atmosphere (Zone): Continuous or long time > 1,000 hours/year
・ Zone 1: Category 2
Probability of the presence of explosive atmosphere (Zone): Occasionally 10 to 1,000 hours/year
・ Zone 2: Category 3
Probability of the presence of explosive atmosphere (Zone): Less likely, short time < 10 hours/year